Business Resources

Palo Alto city staff work in collaboration with several local partners to support our local business community.

• Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
• Palo Alto Downtown
• Palo Alto Transportation Management Association

Use these small business resources to start your business or take your business to the next level.

• Small Business Development Center Silicon Valley
• SBDC Training and Workshops
• Go-Biz: The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves the States leader for job growth, and economic development and business assistance efforts.
  • California Relief Grants: For information and application to the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
  • Apps: Go-Biz offers Digital Service options for business owners to assist with information and resources about owning a business in California

Learn about local business-related ordinances.

• Business Registration Program: Ordinance #5379(PDF, 158KB) and Staff Report ID #6470(PDF, 853KB)
• Smoking and Flavored Tobacco
• Temp conditional use permit
• Uplift Local Outdoor Dining and Retail: Ordinance #11439(PDF, 775KB)
• Zero Waste (single use plastic)
• Minimum Wage
• Transit Occupancy Tax

Application and guide to plan an event or for a particular business activity within Palo Alto.

Apply for Special Event Permit

Covid-19 Business Assistance Center